The Construction Industry offers women not only independence, financial security, and personal growth prospects but also the chance to leverage a variety of transferable skills gained from diverse life experiences. Construction Management Online creates educational opportunities to support women in this transition from other career back grounds into Construction Management.
I almost hate the word “empowered” now. It’s kind of like the song you love to hate. Mine is “Friends in Low Places”. It carries so many memories and has helped move mountains, and yet, you’ve heard it so much it starts to lose its power.
The construction industry, traditionally male-dominated (or a majority of men), presents unique opportunities and challenges for women seeking to establish careers in construction management. This struggle between the genders will be forever at odds, although education is significantly improved from years past.
However, this article is not about the battle of the sexes. It is about understanding how absolutely powerful it is to include women in the construction industry.
The construction industry offers women not only independence, financial security, and personal growth prospects but also the chance to leverage a variety of transferable skills gained from diverse life experiences.
Construction Management Online creates educational opportunities to support women in this transition from other career backgrounds into construction management.
The traditional roles of women have prepared women for the complex nature of construction projects by integrating multitasking, nurturing, resilience, communications, planning, managing, and organizing. There are many reasons women are being attracted to the construction industry.
Specifically, construction management can be an empowering and financially rewarding career path for young and older single women, single mothers, and divorced women, providing independence and utilizing their extensive skill sets developed through life experiences and in other occupations.
Programs like the Free 5-Day Construction Manager Accelerator Workshop help women get a taste of what to expect when they cross over into construction management from another discipline.
Construction management is a lucrative career with significant earning potential. The potential for a highly rewarding job is available to all women, but especially those single mothers or divorced women who have been burdened with extra weight and responsibilities.
The financial independence afforded by a career in construction management can be transformative; I know it was for me. With two toddlers in tow, thankfully I had already had the opportunity to prove myself and gain confidence from the employer who allowed me to work around the schedule of my children’s schooling, sick days, and sporting events.
Not all women have this luxury; however, now they have the money to be able to afford a good babysitter that can be trusted with their little love bundles. The role of a manager typically offers higher salaries compared to many other sectors, with the potential for bonuses and financial incentives based on project success.
This financial stability is crucial for those responsible for single-handedly supporting their families, allowing them to not only meet daily needs but also plan for future financial goals such as education funds, retirement, or homeownership.
Women often develop strong organizational, multitasking, and leadership skills through their roles in managing households, communities, or previous job experiences.
Construction Management Online teaches that if you can “Manage your Life, You can Manage a Project”. These skills are directly applicable and highly valuable in construction management, where life skills align with construction management tasks such as scheduling, project planning, budget management, and team coordination.
Moreover, the construction industry offers various entry points for acquiring specific technical skills needed on the job, including formal education, certifications, and on-the-job training, making it accessible for women transitioning from different career paths.
The construction management profession can offer a degree of flexibility, which is particularly beneficial for women balancing career and family responsibilities.
While the job does require on-site presence, many tasks, such as project planning and client meetings, can be conducted from an office or home environment. This flexibility allows single mothers and divorced women to manage their professional responsibilities alongside their personal commitments more effectively.
This is a shared responsibility with employers learning how to keep their businesses running while working with the obligations shouldering women taking on multiple roles and responsibilities.
Construction Management Online offers the necessary educational support to tackle extensive opportunities for career advancement.
Starting from entry-level positions, women can rise to senior management roles, gaining increased responsibilities and higher compensation. Continuous professional development through workshops, seminars, and networking can further enhance career growth, providing women with the skills and connections needed to advance in their careers.
The intellectual capability of women can be appreciated by all who work with them. This added confidence creates worthy leaders who are empathetic, caring, and compassionate and can lead by inspiring and motivating the team around them.
A career in construction management not only offers financial benefits but also fosters a sense of independence and job satisfaction.
Women in construction management roles often report a high level of job satisfaction due to the tangible results of their work, such as the completion of a building project.
There have been many times I have looked out the window with my boys in the back seat, pointing at a project with both boys in sync, “Yes, Mom, you built that.” I accept the overwhelming credit for a project that took hundreds of people, but I have explained the logistics to them before.
Women bask in the pride of accomplishment of being a part of such magnificent creations. These roles in construction provide an opportunity to make significant contributions to the community and the environment, enhancing personal fulfillment and pride in their work.
Despite these advantages, women in construction management face certain challenges, with the most obvious being navigating a male-majority industry.
Women in construction management can expect to be challenged on their level of experience, their ideas, solutions, and recommendations. Women are working with women, which can often lead to difficulty in communication, trust, and jealousy.
In the field, women in the trades are balancing the mental and physical demands of the job. It can feel very lonely not having other women to confide in or talk to, and if there are, you need to be careful.
However, increasing support systems within the industry, including mentorship programs, women-focused networking groups, and family-friendly company policies, are helping to mitigate these challenges.
Employers are increasingly recognizing the need to support diversity in the workplace, creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for women.
Construction management offers a valuable career path for all women in construction, young and old, single moms and divorced women, providing the chance to achieve financial independence, utilize diverse skills, and enjoy flexible work conditions.
With the right support and resources, like Construction Management Online, women can successfully navigate the challenges of the industry and emerge as leaders in construction management.
As the industry continues to evolve, the role of women is becoming increasingly important, driving the growth and diversification of the construction sector.
This career not only empowers women professionally and financially but also contributes significantly to their personal growth, independence, and confidence.
